In order to ensure that the Transforming LGBT Lives conference (15th September) is a truly participatory event, involving both academic researchers and community participants (as well as input from Statutory Services) a Working Group has been convened and will meet on a regular basis to discuss the ongoing organisation of the conference. The chief duties of the Working Group are identified as:

Producing a conference that is open, inclusive and which crosses the boundaries between academics, practitioners and service providers, and community groups and members.

Meeting and responding to the the need established at the April 1st 2009 community engagement event for broader, non-academic input to CMIT’s future, including the conference.

Making key conference decisions, with particular regard to (but not limited to) the acceptance / rejection of CfPs from across different sectors; ensuring that the conference is inclusive in terms of providing a supportive space for its audience and in terms of the themes addressed by the conference panels and workshops; describing the ethos; advising on costings.

The Count Me In Too research team also has a role and a set of responsibilities relating to the Transforming LGBT Lives Conference. The current duties of the research team (including its role in the development of the conference) can be found here.